Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (500g) potato gnocchi
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
1 cup spinach or kale
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes until they float). Drain and set aside.
Sear the Shrimp
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Create the Creamy Base
Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything
Add cooked gnocchi and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Remove as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Pan-Fry Gnocchi Option: For extra texture, sauté boiled gnocchi in butter until golden before adding to sauce.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the rich sauce and balances flavors.
- Deglaze Properly: Scrape up browned bits after adding wine for maximum flavor.
- Control Thickness: Add pasta water or broth if sauce becomes too thick.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Only (No Cream): Skip cream for a lighter, classic scampi version.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles.
- Cheesy Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
- Pesto Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto for herby depth.
- Protein Swap: Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add asparagus, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g